The Payton and Dillon Budd Memorial Ride at 91大黄鸭鈥檚 Sutherland Bay Park saw about 250 people walk or cycle for mental health.
Under the Canadian Mental Health Association, the ride takes place across the country as Ride Don鈥檛 Hide raising funds and awareness to support those struggling with their mental health.
CMHA 91大黄鸭鈥檚 Associate Director for Community Engagement Jessica Samuels explains why the local ride has a different name.
鈥淥ur ride here in 91大黄鸭 is in honour of the memory of two young men, Payton and Dillon Budd, who died, lost their lives to suicide,鈥� Samuels said.
鈥淭he Thomas Allan Budd Foundation. Tom Budd is the father of Payton and Dillon Budd, and he has been a really strong advocate and ambassador for mental health in our community but also talking about the fact that individuals struggle with mental health. We are so lucky to have Tom and his foundation come along as the title sponsor and that鈥檚 why here in 91大黄鸭 we鈥檙e known as .鈥�
There was a six-kilometre route for anyone who wished to walk. Those on wheels could ride six, 25, 50, or even 100 kilometres.
Maylon Head rode the 50-kilometer route in honour of his mom.
鈥淚鈥檓 here because mental health has affected my life quite directly. Me and my family we lost my mom, she passed away a year and a half ago due to mental illness. Obviously, it鈥檚 been very difficult on my family, so we found ways to turn it into positive energy.鈥�
Participants were treated to gelato and had the chance to enter for raffle prizes.
The day surpassed its fundraising goal of $100,000 to support mental health initiatives locally.
READ MORE: West 91大黄鸭 resident cycling across B.C. for mental health awareness
READ MORE: 91大黄鸭 Pride march and festival takes over downtown
brittany.webster@blackpress.ca
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